Multiple Methods to Install Apps on Ubuntu

A simple guide to installing, running, and removing applications on Ubuntu.

1. Using APT (Advanced Package Tool)

What it is:
APT is Ubuntu’s standard package manager for software from official repositories.

Install:

sudo apt update            # Update package list
sudo apt install package_name

Run: Most installed apps can be run by typing their name in terminal, e.g.:

firefox

Remove:

sudo apt remove package_name       # Remove but keep config files
sudo apt purge package_name        # Remove including config files
sudo apt autoremove                # Remove unused dependencies

Pros:

• Secure and stable
• Easy to manage dependencies

Cons:

• Limited to packages in Ubuntu repositories
• Versions may not be the latest

2. Using Snap

What it is:
Snap is a universal package system from Canonical. It bundles dependencies with the app.

Install:

sudo snap install package_name

Run:

package_name

Some snaps may have different names than the command to run.

Remove:

sudo snap remove package_name

Pros:

• Works across all Ubuntu versions
• Latest versions available

Cons:

• Larger size (includes dependencies)
• Some apps can start slower

3. Using Flatpak

What it is:
Flatpak is another universal package system, similar to Snap, maintained by the community.

Setup (once):

sudo apt install flatpak
sudo flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepo

Install:

flatpak install flathub package_name

Run:

flatpak run package_name

Remove:

flatpak uninstall package_name

Pros:

• Isolated from system
• Works across distros

Cons:

• Larger disk usage
• Commands slightly different than normal packages

4. Using AppImage

What it is:
An AppImage is a single portable executable file. No installation needed.

Use:

1. Download .AppImage file

2. Make it executable:

   chmod +x package_name.AppImage
   

3. Run it:

./package_name.AppImage

Remove:

• Just delete the .AppImage file; nothing else is installed.

Pros:

• Portable, no installation
• No system changes

Cons:

• No automatic updates
• Not integrated into system menu by default

What chmod Means:
chmod (change mode) changes file permissions — who can read (r), write (w), and execute (x) a file.

5. Using DEB Files

What it is:
DEB files are Ubuntu/Debian package files you can download manually.

Install:

sudo dpkg -i package_name.deb
sudo apt -f install       # Fix missing dependencies

Run: Same as APT packages, usually the package name:

package_name

Remove:

sudo apt remove package_name

Pros:

• Works offline
• Familiar with Ubuntu/Debian

Cons:

• Dependencies may require manual fixes
• Not as seamless as APT

Quick Comparison Table

Core Differences in Simple Terms:

• APT & DEB: System-integrated, rely on Ubuntu’s dependency management.
• Snap & Flatpak: Bundle dependencies, more isolated, bigger, can run on other Ubuntu versions.
• AppImage: Fully portable, no install needed, very isolated, manual updates.

Why So Many Installation Methods?

Linux has multiple ways to install software because of history, stability, compatibility, and freedom of choice:

• History: Different Linux families (Debian, Red Hat, etc.) created their own package formats.
• Stability vs. Latest: APT gives stable but older software, while Snap/Flatpak/AppImage give the latest.
• Cross-distro: Snap, Flatpak, and AppImage work across all Linux distributions.
• Freedom: Linux culture values giving users multiple options, not forcing one method.

In short: APT is stable, Snap/Flatpak/AppImage are universal, and DEB/dpkg are manual.